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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork
1. Motion authorizing the City Manager, or a designee, to enter into an Agreement for Commission of Artwork with Cara Lynch in an amount not to exceed $30,000 dispersed from the Urban Art Fund, to design, fabricate, and install a public art piece entitled, “Belonging,” for the Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for February 11, 2025 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On July 18, 2024, the Arts and Culture Commission was presented four design concept proposals for the Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork. The Commission approved a Motion recommending the artwork entitled, “Belonging” by Cara Lynch for this opportunity, and the artwork entitled, “Historic Glendale” by J. Muzacz as the alternate.
On December 16, 2024, the Parks, Community Services and Recreation Commission was presented the design concept, “Belonging” by Cara Lynch as the recommended artwork for this opportunity. The Parks, Community Services and Recreation Commission approved a Motion recommending that City Council approve the artwork and provided feedback that the tile artwork should focused on the preferred California native flowers design concept.
Staff is now presenting to the Council for consideration a recommended piece of artwork for the Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork.
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RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Motion authorizing the City Manager to enter into an Agreement for Commission of Artwork with Cara Lynch in an amount not to exceed $30,000 dispersed from the Urban Art Fund, to design, fabricate, and install a public art piece entitled, “Belonging,” for the Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork.
ANALYSIS
On November 27, 2023, LeBasse Projects released a City-Wide Public Art Landmarks Request for Qualification (RFQ) via the online application collection website, Submittable.
LeBasse Projects also reached out to several local and international artists regarding this opportunity. The RFQ closed on January 19, 2024, and staff received 230 applications for consideration.
On July 18, 2024, during the Arts and Culture Commission’s Regular Meeting, LeBasse Projects provided an overview of the four finalists for the Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork opportunity and the artists/artist teams presented their design concept proposals for review and consideration by the Arts and Culture Commission. During this meeting, the Arts and Culture Commission approved a Motion recommending Cara Lynch’s “Belonging” for this opportunity, and recommending J. Muzacz’s “Historic Glendale” as the alternate.
On December 16, 2024, during the Parks, Community Services and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting, Staff presented the design concept, “Belonging” by Cara Lynch as the recommended artwork for this opportunity. The Parks, Community Services and Recreation Commission approved a Motion recommending that City Council approve the artwork and provided feedback that the tile artwork should focus on the preferred California native flowers design concept. EXHIBIT 1 includes Ms. Lynch’s presentation to the Arts and Culture Commission for reference.
“Belonging” by Cara Lynch
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STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
LeBasse Projects, the City’s Public Art Consultant, reached out to several artists/artist teams within their networks to share the Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Staff also administered direct strategic outreach to artists/artist teams for these opportunities and translated the RFQ into 5 languages (Armenian, English, Korean, Spanish and Tagalog).
The RFQ was also posted on the Arts and Culture Commission’s website (www.glendaleartsandculture.org), shared via social media, and sent to the Arts and Culture Commission’s e-newsletter list.
FISCAL IMPACT
The Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork will cost $30,000, which was approved as a part of the FY 2045-25 budget. No new appropriation is being requested at this time.
The City Council approved funding is outlined below:
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$30,000 43110-2100-LAC-0010-P4148 Urban Art Fund
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
Under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15301, the proposed artwork for the Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork is categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review as a Class 1 Existing Facilities project (Minor Alternations to Structures or Facilities) that consists of the operation or minor alteration of existing public structures, facilities, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use. Installing the artwork would not involve anything other than minor alterations to existing landscapes or hardscaped areas on existing public property.
In addition, Under California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 15304, proposed monuments are categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review as a Class 4 Existing Facilities project (Minor Alternations to Land) that entails minor public or private alterations in the condition of land, water, and/or vegetation which do not involve the removal of healthy, mature, or scenic trees. Installing the artwork would not involve the removal of any trees and would not involve anything other than minor alterations to existing landscapes or hardscaped areas on existing public property.
CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
This item is exempt from campaign disclosure requirements.
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: The City Council may decline to adopt the Motion.
Alternative 2: The City Council may consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
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ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Lessa Pelayo-Lozada, Acting Director of Library, Arts & Culture Prepared by:
Jennifer Fukutomi-Jones, Principal Library, Arts & Culture Administrator Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
EXHIBIT 1 – Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork - “Belonging” by Cara Lynch Proposal EXHIBIT 2 – ACC_071824_MOTION_Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork EXHIBIT 3 – CSP_121624_MOTION_Fremont Park Columns Tile Artwork